Reigning Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women’s Bantamweight champion Kayla Harrison
is closing in on her Octagon return after being sidelined earlier this year due to a serious neck injury.Harrison was originally scheduled to face former two-division champion Amanda Nunes at UFC 324 in what many billed as “the greatest women’s fight in UFC history.” However, the bout was scrapped after Harrison withdrew to undergo surgery — putting her title reign on pause before it could truly
take off.
Now, the champ appears ready to resume business.
Speaking ahead of the UFC Vegas 116 broadcast (Sat., April 25, 2026), Harrison revealed she’s been medically cleared and is back in full training.
“Oh, your girl’s back, baby, I’m back,” Harrison said. “I’m not going to make any announcements, but yeah, I think there’s a timeline. I’m back, I’m back on the mats, feeling good. I was sore as all get out last week. Last week was like my first week back training. But yeah, I’m feeling good. I just feel really blessed to be able to do what I love and be able to come back. You never know, with surgery, you never know, but especially with the neck, it’s a scary thing. So, I’m happy.”
Given the UFC’s already packed numbered event schedule — and Harrison’s notoriously difficult weight cut to 135 pounds — a return in late 2026 seems most likely.
If timing lines up, her long-awaited showdown with Nunes could land at Madison Square Garden in November, giving the promotion a massive co-main or headlining attraction for its annual New York City card.
Time will tell — but Harrison is officially back in the mix.
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